Edmen Shahbazyan

The host predicts Brendan Allen to win by submission in round two, likely with a rear naked choke. He notes that Shahbazyan is dangerous in round one with knockout power, but after that, Allen's grappling advantage takes over. He mentions that Allen has good takedowns and a strong back take, and that Shahbazyan's takedown defense fades as the fight goes on.

AJ picks Allen by submission, emphasizing Allen's elite grappling and wrestling advantage over Shahbazyan. He acknowledges Shahbazyan's striking skills but believes Allen will get the fight to the ground and submit him. AJ notes Allen's recent wins over top competition and expects a submission victory.

Angelo picks Brendan Allen, citing his clear advantage in wrestling and takedowns. He notes that Shahbazyan's takedown defense is a huge hole, and as long as Allen sticks to the game plan of getting takedowns and keeping him on the ground, he wins. He is slightly concerned about Allen's recent training camp comments but assumes he is ready.

Big Brady picks Brendan Allen to win by second round submission. He is not impressed with Shahbazyan's recent wins and notes that Shahbazyan quits when grappled. He thinks Allen should take him down and submit him, but worries about Allen's fight IQ and tendency to strike. He believes Allen is the better fighter and should win.

Brendan Allen fights like an idiot and often sells fights, as seen against Chris Curtis and Anthony Hernandez. Edmen Shahbazyan has knockout power and will likely chin Allen in round two. Shahbazyan is a huge underdog but has been training takedown defense at Extreme Couture.

Brendan Allen is picked because he has better versatility and can grapple with Edmen Shahbazyan. The host is not sold on Shahbazyan's resurgence, noting his wins over Andre Muniz and Andre Petroski are not impressive. Allen's ground and pound and submission skills are highlighted, though he makes mistakes. The host expects Allen to win by decision, using cage control and clinch work.

Allen is a top-five middleweight with a clear grappling advantage. Shahbazyan has been submitted by lesser grapplers and hasn't faced anyone near Allen's level. Allen should get a first-round submission.

Lucrative James acknowledges Brendan Allen is the better all-round fighter and would pick him if forced, but sees value in Edmen Shahbazyan as a plus-money underdog. He notes Shahbazyan's knockout power and Allen's questionable durability and fight IQ, especially after Allen's brawl with Marvin Vettori. He believes Shahbazyan's best path is a round 1 or 2 KO, and that the betting value lies on the underdog.

Angelo sees this as a striker vs grappler matchup. He believes Edmen's striking advantage is wider than André's grappling advantage, and that Edmen can win by keeping the fight on the feet. He notes André's chin is starting to fail and that Edmen has good takedown defense when not tired. He also thinks the fight will not go the distance.

Big Brady believes André Muniz has a weak chin, citing his recent knockout losses and a delayed reaction to a shot. He notes that Muniz has been knocked out six times and all his losses are inside the distance. He thinks Shahbazyan has power and will knock out Muniz, likely in the first round. He predicts a first-round knockout for Shahbazyan.

Connor picks Muniz to keep it interesting, seeing a path where Muniz sucks Shahbazyan into a grappling hell early on, making Shahbazyan fight well but have a miserable time, leading to his typical panic and collapse. He notes that Muniz's aggressive grappling could overwhelm Shahbazyan, especially if Muniz commits to wrestling from the start.

The host is skeptical of Shahbazyan as a chalky favorite due to gas tank issues, but still expects him to walk Munz onto a big shot and win by knockout.

The MMA Guru picks Edmen Shahbazyan, believing his youth, power, and takedown defense will be key. He notes André Muniz's vulnerability to strikes and poor decision-making. He predicts a first-round TKO.

Angelo leans Edmen because he is the better athlete and hits hard, and Andre's chin is suspect. He notes that even if Andre gets takedowns, Edmen can survive and have an edge on the feet. However, he feels the odds are a trap and expects a close fight.

Big Brady picks Edmen Shahbazyan by first-round knockout. He notes that Shahbazyan has a 7.5-minute window to finish before his cardio fades, and that Petroski has been knocked out in all his losses. He believes Shahbazyan will land a knockout early, but suggests a live bet on Petroski if the fight goes past the first round.

Connor picks Shahbazyan but is very hesitant, calling the fight a coin flip. He notes that Shahbazyan's problems are fundamental and unlikely to go away, but that Petroski's tendency to gas and his clumsy striking make him vulnerable to an early finish. Connor points out that Shahbazyan's best chance is to knock Petroski out in the first round, as Petroski has been finished early before. If Petroski survives, his durability and grinding style could break Shahbazyan.

Petroski's grappling and power punching will thwart Shahbazyan's striking. He will pin him against the cage, drag him to the ground, and possibly find a submission in the second or third round, but ultimately win on the scorecards.

The Guru initially wavers but ultimately picks Andre Petroski by submission in the third round. He acknowledges Shahbazyan is the better martial artist with superior standup, but fears Shahbazyan will 'fumble' again. He expects Petroski to implement his wrestling and get a late arm-triangle choke, calling it a coin flip.

Angelo picks Dylan Budka despite acknowledging that many people think Budka is not good. He argues that Budka has very good offensive wrestling and Edmen Shahbazyan has poor takedown defense (65%) and is useless on the ground. He believes Budka can win with wrestling alone, and that the odds are upside down.

Big Brady picks Shahbazyan by first-round submission, arguing Budka is not on the level of Shahbazyan's previous opponents. Shahbazyan has a huge striking advantage and is even the better grappler. He expects Shahbazyan to hurt Budka, who will panic wrestle, and then snatch a submission. If Shahbazyan loses, he should retire.

Connor picks Edmen Shahbazyan, agreeing with Zane that Budka is not ready for this level. He emphasizes Budka's lack of range game and his need for constant coaching, which makes him operate three steps behind. Connor notes that Shahbazyan, despite his own issues, has the depth of skill to bulldoze opponents like Budka. He also suggests that Shahbazyan might have benefited from being cut from the UFC earlier, like Zalal, to fix his problems.

Lucrative James picks Edmen Shahbazyan to win by KO, viewing this as a clear step down in competition for Shahbazyan. He notes that Shahbazyan's losses have come against high-level opponents like Gerald Meerschaert, Anthony Hernandez, and Nassourdine Imavov, while Dylan Budka has not shown UFC-level skills. He believes Shahbazyan's improved grappling and pace will be enough, and that Budka lacks the tools to exploit Shahbazyan's known cardio issues. He expects a finish inside the distance.

Shahbazyan has a big technical gap over Budka and can put him away early, likely within the first round. If it goes longer, his cardio becomes an issue. The -360 odds are iffy but Shahbazyan wins inside the distance.

The MMA Guru picks Edmen Shahbazyan to win by early TKO in round one or two. He acknowledges Shahbazyan's past struggles with wrestling and cardio but believes Dylan Budka won't be able to take him down until it's too late. He trusts Shahbazyan's development at Xtreme Couture.

Angelo picks Gerald Meerschaert as an underdog, acknowledging his chinny reputation but noting his improved takedowns in his last fight. He thinks Meerschaert's grappling is the best it's looked and that if he can take Shahbazyan down, he'll be in trouble. He mentions that Shahbazyan is a 3-to-1 favorite which seems crazy, and that Apex cards are ripe for upsets. He also suggests a plus 3.5 bet on Meerschaert.

Cody picks Meerschaert because he thinks Shahbazyan is a front-runner who fades if he doesn't finish early. He notes Meerschaert has good BJJ, cardio, and a comeback ability. He believes if Shahbazyan doesn't knock him out in the first round, Meerschaert will take over and submit him. He also mentions that Shahbazyan has been stopped by wrestlers and grapplers before.

Daniel Vreeland picks Gerald Meerschaert for the upset, noting Shahbazyan is a front-runner who fades after the first round. He believes if Shahbazyan doesn't get a first-round KO, Meerschaert will take over with submissions or ground-and-pound. He acknowledges the risk of Shahbazyan winning early.

JP picks Shahbazyan by KO, noting his losses were to elite competition and he has looked great lately. He thinks Meerschaert is old, slow, and his standup is not good. Brevin agrees, adding that Meerschaert is reckless and has been taking bad punishment recently, including a one-punch KO loss to Chimaev. Shahbazyan is bigger, younger, and has good wrestling to stuff takedowns.

Paul leans towards Shahbazyan by KO but doesn't like the price. He thinks Shahbazyan has the power to finish Meerschaert early, but notes that Meerschaert is durable and could survive. He prefers to bet live or take a prop on Shahbazyan by KO rather than the moneyline. He also mentions that Meerschaert's chin is suspect.

Angelo picks A.J. Dobson as an underdog, surprised by the plus 160 odds. He believes Dobson has plenty of power, wrestling, and chin to win. He plans to wait for prop bets, specifically a plus 3.5 round bet, to protect against a decision loss where Dobson wins at least one round.

Big Brady picks Edmen Shahbazyan, believing he is the better striker and more active. He notes Shahbazyan's takedown defense is not terrible and that Dobson is low volume. He acknowledges Shahbazyan's cardio issues but expects him to win the first two rounds and hold on for a 29-28 decision.

Cody picks Shahbazyan, believing he will outclass Dobson on the feet and land a knockout. He notes Shahbazyan's power and finishing ability, but also acknowledges his cardio issues. Cody bets the under 2.5 rounds, expecting a finish.

Daniel Vreeland leans toward Edmen Shahbazyan because he believes A.J. Dobson won't push the pace enough to expose Shahbazyan's cardio issues. He acknowledges Shahbazyan has broken in extended fights before but thinks Dobson's low output favors Shahbazyan. He is not confident enough to bet the favorite.

Shahbazyan has a striking and speed advantage, and his submission game is solid. However, his cardio is a major concern; he tends to slow down. Dobson is a low-output striker with mediocre wrestling, but he has a better gas tank. Shahbazyan should land easily and could finish early, possibly by submission. A small sprinkle on Dobson in round three is mentioned, but the pick is Shahbazyan inside the distance.

Paul leans toward the over 2.5 rounds, citing Shahbazyan's cardio issues and Dobson's durability. He thinks Dobson will try to wrestle and slow the fight down, which could lead to a decision. Paul picks Shahbazyan but expects a tough fight, possibly going to decision.

Angelo picks Anthony Hernandez confidently, citing his superior grappling and high takedown volume. He notes that while Hernandez's control could be better, Shahbazyan struggles to get back to his feet when taken down. He considers Hernandez safe for parlays.

Big Brady picks Anthony Hernandez to submit Edmen Shahbazyan in the second round. He calls it a terrible matchup for Shahbazyan, who has historically faded in later rounds. Hernandez is known for his cardio, pressure, and wrestling, and should break Shahbazyan. He notes Shahbazyan is dangerous early but expects Hernandez to weather the storm and finish him in the second.

Cody highlights Hernandez's relentless wrestling and cardio, noting he averaged 8 takedowns in his last two fights. He contrasts Shahbazyan's tendency to fade after the first round and poor takedown defense. He expects Hernandez to wear Shahbazyan down with chain wrestling and secure a late finish or dominant decision.

Connor picks Shahbazyan, citing his much cleaner striking and the potential to finish Hernandez early. He acknowledges the risk of Hernandez's pace but believes Shahbazyan's improved camp (ditching Tiverdian, sparring with Sean Strickland, training at Xtreme Couture) and his composed performance against Lungiambula are good signs. He thinks Shahbazyan could easily knock Hernandez out or tune him up, and that Hernandez's wide-open striking leaves opportunities for Shahbazyan to land clean shots.

Daniel Levi confidently picks Anthony 'Fluffy' Hernandez. He highlights Hernandez's relentless takedown game, noting he landed 16 takedowns in his last two fights (8/11 vs Josh Fremd, 8/14 vs Marc-André Barriault). He believes Hernandez will survive Shahbazyan's dangerous first round and then break him with pressure and grappling, as Shahbazyan has historically faded past the first round. Levi acknowledges Hernandez's durability concerns (body shots) but thinks his wrestling and cardio will be the difference.

The host is very confident in Anthony Hernandez, calling it a smash spot. He believes Hernandez's relentless forward pressure, cardio, and grappling will drown Shahbazyan, who has cardio issues. He predicts a submission in round two, noting that if Shahbazyan doesn't get an early KO, Hernandez will take over.

Paul agrees, citing Hernandez's improved pace and cardio, and the stylistic advantage of his wrestling against Shahbazyan's suspect takedown defense. He notes that Shahbazyan's cardio issues are likely to be exploited, leading to Hernandez dominating later rounds.

The MMA Guru picks Anthony Hernandez, calling him a style designed to beat Edmen Shahbazyan. He highlights Hernandez's pace-pushing wrestling and scrambles, which he believes will get into Shahbazyan's head. He notes Shahbazyan's demons may creep in as the fight goes on, and that Hernandez is a nightmare matchup. He acknowledges a chance Shahbazyan wins by first-round TKO but expects Hernandez to overcome early danger and win.

Angelo picks Shahbazyan despite his three-fight losing streak, because Lungiambula has terrible cardio and tends to gas out after wrestling. He notes that Shahbazyan's takedown defense is suspect (57%) and Lungiambula is a judo black belt who could take him down, but Lungiambula's tendency to exhaust himself makes him vulnerable. Angelo warns not to put Shahbazyan in parlays as he could be a parlay buster.

Big Brady picks Edmen Shahbazyan, noting the significant step down in competition. He highlights Shahbazyan's power and well-rounded skills, while criticizing Lungiambula's poor gas tank and low volume. He expects Shahbazyan to win by second round knockout, possibly by wrestling to tire Lungiambula.

Cody picks Shahbazyan, citing his talent and that he has moved to a new gym (Extreme Couture). He thinks Lungiambula is a gatekeeper on a losing streak and that Shahbazyan should win if he doesn't gas. He notes Shahbazyan's previous losses were to top competition and that this is a step down.

Daniel Levi picks Edmen Shahbazyan but with low confidence, calling him a 'fraud past the first round.' He notes Shahbazyan is a potent first-round finisher but has broken every time he's gone past the first round. Levi acknowledges Dalcha Lungiambula's power and experience in later rounds, but thinks Shahbazyan may catch him early. He warns against laying the -280 price and says if Shahbazyan doesn't finish in the first, he will likely quit. Levi picks Shahbazyan by first-round finish but advises against betting him.

Lock is on the inside the distance line for Shahbazyan, agreeing with the co-host that this is a good jumping-off point to buy in at $1.35. He thinks the move to Extreme Couture was the best thing for his career, and that the team will help him remember what he's good at and how to get finishes. He expects a rejuvenated version of Shahbazyan and believes he will put together a couple of good wins, though he doesn't expect a huge bump immediately.

Paul picks Shahbazyan but is scared off by the price. He notes Lungiambula has power and could land a shot, but thinks Shahbazyan should win. He is not confident enough to lay the juice.

Angelo picks Edmen Shahbazyan, despite acknowledging that Imavov has a clear grappling path to victory. He notes Shahbazyan's lethal striking and improved takedown defense at American Kickboxing Academy. He questions Imavov's takedown accuracy (22%) and believes Shahbazyan can keep the fight standing and land a knockout. He also mentions he might grab Shahbazyan at plus money.

Big Brady picks Nassourdine Imavov to win by third-round knockout. He notes Imavov's volume, power, and cardio advantage, while Shahbazyan has a poor gas tank and slows down after the first round. Brady acknowledges Shahbazyan's early power and chance to knock Imavov out, but believes Imavov has more paths to victory and will take over as the fight goes on.

Cody picks Imavov, citing his improvements and recent KO win over Heinisch. He notes Shahbazyan's cardio issues and suspect takedown defense. He believes Imavov's experience and coaching at Fight Factory Paris give him the edge. He expects Imavov to win inside the distance.

Daniel Levi picks Nassourdine Imavov to win a gritty decision, citing Imavov's proven toughness and ability to dig deep. He notes that Shahbazyan is dangerous early but tends to fade, and that Imavov has better cardio and durability. Levi mentions that Shahbazyan has been knocked out by top competition and may have quit in him, while Imavov has shown he can come back from losing rounds. He also notes that Imavov has good movement and counter-striking.

Jacob picks Imavov, citing his competition level and grappling advantage. He notes that Imavov has fought tough opponents and has a clear path via takedowns. However, he acknowledges Shahbazyan's striking threat and says he would stay away from betting on this fight. He believes Imavov's grappling will be the difference.

The host likes Imavov's cardio advantage and striking at range. He expects Shahbazyan to fade in the later rounds, allowing Imavov to pull away. He targets Imavov inside the distance, specifically round 3, and notes he will bet if Imavov becomes the underdog.

Paul picks Shahbazyan, believing he has more power and is the better striker. He notes Imavov is not a wrestler despite his name, and Shahbazyan's youth and improvements should help. He thinks Imavov's takedown defense won't be tested enough.

Big Brady picks Hermansson to survive Shahbazyan's dangerous first round, then take over with takedowns and ground game. He notes Shahbazyan's cardio issues and high finish rate (91%) but believes Hermansson's grappling and experience will lead to a second-round submission. He acknowledges Shahbazyan could knock him out early.

Cody Saftic picks Jack Hermansson, criticizing the matchmaking for Shahbazyan. He notes that Hermansson is a strong wrestler with good cardio, while Shahbazyan has shown poor takedown defense and gassing issues. Saftic believes Hermansson will take the fight to the ground and wear Shahbazyan down, similar to what Derek Brunson did. He sees value at -150 and considers it a strong play.

Daniel Levi picks Edmen Shahbazyan, arguing that Shahbazyan is a young phenom with knockout power and takedown ability, and that his loss to Brunson was due to inexperience. He believes Jack Hermansson is a one-trick pony with poor striking defense and that he took too much damage in his last fight (broken orbital). He predicts Shahbazyan will knock out Hermansson in the first round, calling it a dog or pass situation.

Matt picks Edmen Shahbazyan by knockout, believing Shahbazyan's striking advantage and power will be too much for Hermansson. He notes Hermansson's defensive striking issues, having been hit by Cannonier, Vettori, and others. He thinks Shahbazyan's cardio issues may still exist, but he should finish within two rounds. He compares the matchup to Derek Brunson's win over Shahbazyan, but notes Brunson is more defensively sound than Hermansson. He likes Shahbazyan by KO at +265 and round 1 KO at +325.

Paul Shaughnessy agrees with Hermansson, noting that the line seems too good to be true. He points out that Hermansson has fought top competition and has good cardio, while Shahbazyan was dominated by Brunson. He suggests that if Shahbazyan wins, it would likely be by early knockout, but the longer the fight goes, the more it favors Hermansson. He recommends Hermansson by knockout at +265 as a prop.

Big Brady picks Edmen Shahbazyan to win by first-round knockout. He notes that Brunson has been knocked out five times and is past his prime at 36, while Shahbazyan is a young 22-year-old beast with a high ceiling. He believes Shahbazyan will come out aggressively and touch Brunson's chin early, ending the fight in the first round. He mentions the line is off at -345 and suggests looking at inside the distance props.

Daniel picks Shahbazyan, praising his complete skill set including boxing, grappling, and takedowns. He notes that Brunson leads with his chin up and that Shahbazyan throws straight, disciplined shots. He expects a first-round knockout, citing Shahbazyan's 10 first-round finishes and his handling of Brad Tavares.

The host picks Brunson despite being an underdog, citing concerns about Shahbazyan's cardio and lack of experience in later rounds. He notes that Shahbazyan looked poor in the third round against Darren Stewart and that Brunson's wrestling and grinding style could neutralize Shahbazyan's early power. He also mentions the smaller cage favoring Brunson's clinch game and that the line has moved too far in Shahbazyan's favor.